Mary Allen
Dogs have a third eyelid. This is formed inside both eyes and can be seen as an additional conjunctival fold.
What is the nictitating membrane?
The nictitating membrane is a membrane found in both of the dog’s eyes, the mucous membranes of which contain lymphoid follicles. Behind the nictitating membrane is a large number of small lymph particles that are the first line of defense against a variety of pathogens. It is a type of windscreen wiper that can be used to remove foreign objects. This mechanism is triggered by an automatic reflex. The third eyelid recognizes everything, be it pollen, viruses, bacteria, or dirt, and tries to fight it.
The new pathogens are constantly confronted and trained in this way. When a foreign object enters, the third eyelid moves while the eyeball retracts slightly. At that moment, the nictitating membrane is activated to ward off the danger. Then it returns to its original position. So this is generally not a problem as it is a protection mechanism. However, it could also develop into a health problem. In this case, you need to take your dog to the vet to have their eyes examined.
The function of the nictitating membrane
The most important thing is the protective function of the nictitating membrane. This also helps prevent ulcers or infections as the antibodies can react more quickly to pathogens. In addition, the third eyelid supports the constant moistening of the organ of vision. 40% of tear fluid is produced by the nictitating glands. As mentioned earlier, natural movement helps to remove foreign objects, such as dust particles, from the eyes. Most of the time it’s not that easy to see, but if you see a thin white layer on either eye, it’s probably the nictitating membrane. However, it only becomes a problem if it is still visible after five to six hours and is not in its original place.
Since your little puppy is constantly coming into contact with new bacteria, viruses and other pathogens, especially in the first few weeks of life, inflammation in this area often occurs, especially during this time. In most cases, the inflammation is harmless and confined to irritation, and it is rare for the third eyelid, and particularly the glands behind it, to become so enlarged that it is referred to as nictitating gland enlargement.
Nictitating gland prolapse
In domestic dogs, in particular, an enlargement of the nictitating glands can occur, which is also known as “cherry eye”. This creates a spherical bulge reminiscent of cherry. Enlarged nictitating glands are one of the most common reasons for visiting an ophthalmologist. Some breeds are more prone to this condition, such as Boxers, Pekingese, and Chihuahuas. The third eyelid is constantly used in these breeds, but in principle, any dog, regardless of age and breed, can suffer from a prolapsed nictitating gland.
What can you do if you have a prolapsed nictitating gland?
Simple surgical removal of the protruding gland is not recommended. Because the nictitating gland, along with the other accessory lacrimal glands, contributes about 40% to tear production, there is a risk that dry conjunctivitis will occur upon removal. Therefore, the shirring technique according to Moore is used in particular. Two 1 cm incisions are made on the inside of the nictitating membrane above and below the nictitating gland, parallel to the border of the nictitating membrane, and sutured together. This gathering returns the nick skin to its normal position. The eye is then treated with an antibiotic eye ointment for a few days. Get advice from your veterinarian.
The nictitating membrane in dogs – FAQs
The dog has three distinct eyelids: an upper, a lower, and a nictitating membrane. The nictitating gland is located in the nictitating membrane and produces part of the tear fluid. The nictitating gland, which is protected under the eye, is stabilized by cartilage and tissue.
How does a nictitating skin prolapse develop in dogs?
Various causes can be responsible for a nictitating membrane prolapse. For example, a weak connective tissue in the area of the third eyelid can be seen as a trigger. Likewise, too-long cartilage located in the third eyelid can be considered a cause.
What is a nictitating prolapse?
In a so-called nictitating membrane prolapse, the third eyelid becomes clearly visible. The nictitating membrane now pushes far over the eye. You cannot ignore the incident. Sometimes even most of the eye is covered by the nictitating membrane.
What color is the nictitating membrane of a dog?
Many dogs also have an inflammation in the nictitating membrane (the “extra” eyelid of dogs and which can move like a “windshield wiper” from the bottom up over the eye). The nictitating membrane turns red in affected dogs and the black border loses its color.
What is the third eyelid in dogs?
The third eyelid is also known as the nictitating membrane. This is mostly hidden under the lower lid, and you can only see a tiny bit of this colored membrane in the inner corner of the eye. In some breeds, however, the nictitating skin is very conspicuous.
Do dogs have a second eyelid?
Dogs have a third eyelid on each eye, also known as the nictitating membrane. This is mostly hidden under the lower lid, and you can only see a tiny bit of this colored membrane in the inner corner of the eye. In some breeds, however, the nictitating skin is very conspicuous.
What can you do about Cherry Eye?
- Antibiotic eye drops and antibiotic tablets.
- If necessary, a preparation against inflammation and pain as well as.
- Wearing a neck brace or other device to prevent the dog from scratching its eye.
Can conjunctivitis in dogs heal on its own?
In uncomplicated cases, conjunctivitis in dogs usually heals without consequences if it is treated properly. However, if left untreated, conjunctivitis can lead to various complications. In the worst case, the damage to the eye can progress to blindness.
How much does a cherry eye surgery cost?
The cherry eye (also called nictitating gland prolapse or cherry eye) is a pathological change in the eye that – often – has to be corrected surgically. Depending on the treatment method, costs range from approx. $150 to over $1,000.